If you are one of the estimated 1 million recipients of an unmanned drone this holiday season there are certain things you need to know.
Beginning Dec 21, the federal government is now requiring that all unmanned aircraft greater than 0.55 lbs and less than 55 lbs be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. Registration is free for the first 30 days and then increases to $5 after that. And if you own more than one drone, you only have to register once.
You can register your drone with the FAA by clicking here.
For many outdoors enthusiasts, an unmanned drone can be a great way to get a bird’s eye view of wildlife, but there are certain rules and regulations that apply during hunting season.
It’s important to check the rules in your state, but in Arizona — for instance — it is unlawful to fly a drone to locate wildlife less than 48 hours before a big game hunting season. In addition, they may not be used to pursue, disturb, harass or take wildlife.
“The use of drones for the harassment and sport harvest of wildlife is not only illegal, but it undermines the ‘fair chase’ hunting ethic and the very tenets of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation,” said Gene Elms, Arizona Game and Fish Department law enforcement branch chief.
Photo credit: Flickr CC
